Middlesex Sign Up Sussex Star Kirtley

England and Sussex cricketer James Kirtley was at Lord's this morning to put the finishing touches to a major new contract. But before worried Sussex fans wonder what is happening, the exciting new deal is not for the playing services of the south coast fast bowler - James personally delivered the Middlesex County Cricket Club kit for 2008 to Chief Executive, Vinny Codrington and Middlesex’s Chris Silverwood.

James launched MKK Sports three years ago and is now overseeing the label as it rapidly becomes one of the leading brands in high quality UK team wear.

MKK are supplying Middlesex with every element of their squad kit, including the entire professional playing staff, academy players, women's team, youth section and retail outlet.

Vinny Codrington, said: "In addition to the quality of the fabrics and design being offered by MKK, they have done it without the prohibitive costs. It is also nice to be working with James, who clearly understands the needs and expectations of the modern player as well as anyone."

The news comes at the end of a fantastic year for MKK that included a tie up with the GB Davis Cup team, on-going supply to Sussex County Cricket Club and support to numerous schools and provincial cricket, football, rugby and hockey teams.

James said: "The key to the success is the unique way MKK assists the various teams we work with. Rather than offer a traditional catalogue of off the shelf clothing, we ask each client exactly what they want and we design it in liaison with them. We match existing team colours precisely and integrate them with bespoke designs."

The deal with Middlesex includes a 10% commission which MKK are paying straight back into the MCCC youth development system.

James said: "It is obviously fantastic that MKK are supplying such a huge club like Middlesex. However, it is equally pleasing that the contract allows us to put something back into a sport that has given me so much."